Clad in 19th century attire, 11 students from Appoquinimink High School will perform "Little Women," the stage adaptation by Peter Clapham of Louisa M. Alcott's novel.

The school's third annual fall play will run Nov. 15, 16, and 17, with Anna Ventura, Kelli Moore, Michelle Beshel, and Emily Stecher portraying the March sisters as they struggle through their lives during the Civil War.

"It's right before Thanksgiving, so we wanted something family friendly," said teacher director Elise Knable.

The play focuses on the March family and their four daughters while the father is away fighting in the Civil War, she said.

It follows the trials the family face, said teacher and assistant director Amanda Wlock, including sickness, war, relatives, and socio-economic judgments.

Of the four male student-actors, two have been in all three fall plays.

The rest of the cast is female and the stage crew consists of another 10 students.

Auditions were held at the beginning of the schools year and rehearsals began in the middle of September, Knable said. About 18 girls tried out for the female roles.

The students began doing dress rehearsals last week, wearing costumes that bring the stage back in time to the 1860's. The fluffy gowns and suits come from a variety of places, including Goodwill, teacher and student homes, the drama department's costume closet, and even the Everett Meredith Middle School's drama department.

They even had a Saturday rehearsal because of the set backs caused by the recent hurricane and anticipated snowstorm.

"It's not that they need it," Knable said, "but it'll help them develop their characters and ensemble."

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. each night and the play begins at 7 p.m. sharp.